Royal Commission on Canada's Economic Prospects
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Chaired by Walter Gordon, the 1956 Report was representative of a period of concern for Canadian nationalism. The need for this commission was originally articulated in a draft article written by Walter Gordon in 1955 that questioned the validity of a number of the government's economic policies, particularly the question of selling control of Canada's natural resources and business enterprises to foreigners. Gordon was then asked if he would act as chairman.
With the help of Douglas LePan, the commission's director of research, a research staff was assembled, mostly from universities. Thirty-three studies were undertaken, each of which was published separately. This was the first time that any country had attempted such a comprehensive undertaking, and there was a great deal of public interest in the commission's work. A recurrent theme throughout was the concern felt about the acquisition by foreigners, mostly American, of Canadian resources and business enterprises.
In its 2 reports the commission made some long-term forecasts for the next 25 years about the population growth, the size of the labour force, and the probable development of different sections of the economy. The commission also submitted over 50 proposals and suggestions, nearly all of which have since been incorporated in legislation or adopted administratively. The principal exceptions were its proposals with regard to foreign investment.
